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Weighted blankets just might be the greatest nap accessory ever invented. They can do wonders for your mental and physical health. The extra heft can help you sleep more soundly, soothe panic attacks, and lower your anxiety, all of which helps keep your heart healthy among other benefits. These blankets typically are filled with five to 20 pounds of plastic or steel beads, sand, pebbles, or even organic grains. That filling makes how to wash a weighted blanket—and whether or not you should—pretty unclear.
Just like duvet covers, weighted blankets do need to be washed regularly. Exactly how and how often depends on the specific blanket you have and what it's made of; it's important to consult the manufacturer's guidelines before washing any weighted blanket. However, there are a few fail-safe instructions you can count on. Ahead, we outline how to wash a weighted blanket, how often you should do it, and how to keep the process from being unnecessarily cumbersome.
Can You Wash a Weighted Blanket at Home?
In most cases, yes—especially smaller and lighter weighted blankets. If your weighted blanket has a cover, you can remove it and wash it in the washing machine just like a regular throw blanket or bedding. To wash the insert or a blanket without a cover, check the specs and care instructions on the label and the weight limits of your washer and dryer to determine whether to spot clean, hand wash, or machine wash it.
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If you have a weighted blanket larger than a throw or heavier than 20 pounds, we recommend taking it to a laundromat and washing it in a commercial machine. These large blankets could get damaged in your washer and dryer—or worse, damage your machines.
The Materials
- Mild laundry detergent
- Stain remover (or baking soda)
- Toothbrush
- Large bucket (a bathtub also works great if you have one)
- Drying rack (optional)
The Process
Before you start, make room to air-dry your weighted blanket. (Most can't go in the dryer.) Throw-sized ones can go on a sturdy drying rack, but you'll want a large, flat area lined with clean towels to spread out a bigger one.
Step One: Determine the Materials
Figure out what your weighted blanket is made of. If there's a cover, it's usually durable enough for a standard wash-and-dry cycle. The insert, however, may not be depending on the fill material.
- Plastic/Poly Beads: Cold water only, air-dry
- Steel Beads: Hand or machine wash, air-dry
- Sand: Not washable, spot clean only
- Glass Beads: Hand wash only, air-dry or tumble dry on low
- Grain: Not washable, spot clean only
Step Two: Spot Clean
Spot-treating stains is a safe way to clean any weighted blanket, no matter what's inside. Scan the entire blanket front and back for stains, and apply your favorite stain remover to any discolored spots you find. (You can also dilute your laundry detergent and use that.) Gently rub the stain remover in with the toothbrush. Let the stain remover sit for five to 10 minutes, then dab the treated areas with a clean damp cloth.
Step Three: Wash the Blanket
If you're dealing with a material that can be hand-washed (such as steel or glass beads), fill your bathtub or bucket with warm water and a capful of laundry detergent. Swish and swirl the blanket through the water a few times with your hands, ensuring it's entirely submerged. Drain or empty the water and refill the tub or bucket with clean, cold water. Repeat this process to rinse the blanket two to three times or until you no longer see soap suds.
For a blanket that can be machine washed, choose a cold water cycle with low or no spin (such as gentle or delicate) and a large or heavy load setting. Put in the blanket on its own, separate from any other bedding or clothing, to minimize the weight and stress on your machine. Start the washer, and stay close by while it runs. If it sounds uneven, pause the cycle and redistribute the blanket to even out the weight. If you hear excessive clanging or banging, stop the cycle; it could be a sign your washer is overloaded.
Step Four: Air-Dry and Fluff
Some blankets can be machine dried, but many need to air-dry. Gently squeeze out any excess water and lay out your blanket to dry. Whether you're using a drying rack, a couple of chairs, or the floor, you want to make sure it gets ample air circulation. Flipping it every few hours can help. Allow the blanket to dry completely; this could take up to a few days depending on its size and filling. Next, massage the blanket in sections using your hands to loosen and fluff the filling. Voilá! Your beloved couch companion is just like new and ready to use.
How Often Should You Wash a Weighted Blanket?
That depends on how often you use it. If you rarely pull out your weighted blanket (think like once a month or biweekly), it's fine to wash the cover and insert quarterly. If you're attached to your weighted blanket and snuggle up with it daily, it's best to wash the cover (if it has one) weekly to biweekly and the blanket or insert every few months. You may want to get a cover for your blanket if it doesn't have one to make it easier to keep clean.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has covered everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.
